Staff and Leadership

A church is not a building. It’s people. A community of people built on and around Jesus. These people here, are the foundation of our community.

James Toews

Sr Pastor

James, Janet and their 3 children moved to Nanaimo in 1987. This was their first church after graduating from seminary in Fresno, CA. They consider themselves blessed beyond measure to have a church family that walks with them through the joys and trials of life. They are looking forward to the next 20 years of being part of Neighbourhood Church and watching God do His work in this city.

Travis Barbour

Associate Pastor

Travis and Whitney have two kids, Evangeline and Lydia. Travis feels very blessed to be able to serve as pastor in the church where he spent his teen years. Prior to serving at the church Travis studied at Regent College (MA 2013) and Columbia Bible College (BA 2009). In 2015 Travis began his role as the Nanaimo Clippers Chaplin. His passions and interests include jogging, playing music, reading classic literature, and of course the BC Lions and Toronto Maple Leafs.

Colin Dyck

Youth Pastor

Colin and Sarah have been with the Neighbourhood Church since 2009. They have two kids, Rupert and Olivia. Colin secretly thinks he is Frodo Baggins and that he is on a quest to hurl the ring of power into the fires of Mordor thereby saving Middle Earth from doom and catastrophe. Colin also loves kids and has a blast hanging out with them and teaching them about what it means to follow Jesus.

Carol Lade

Office Admin

Carol and her husband Wes moved with their family to Nanaimo in 1995. Their 5 children are now grown and they are enjoying life as “empty nesters” and grandparents to 3 grandchildren. Carol started in the office in 2000 and continues to work overseeing the administrative duties of a growing church. She enjoys gardening, golfing and spending time with family and friends. Her favourite food group is chocolate!

Karen Travers

Office Assistant

Karen and Dave moved to Nanaimo as newly-weds in 1990. Now they have 2 adult sons and are enjoying this new stage of life. Karen and Dave have been involved in a number of ministries including event planning and Worship. Karen came on Staff in 2005 in our Communications position. She is the one who keeps our Power Point and video presentations fresh and creative.